Grigorenko, Russians cap series with loss

Mikhail Grigorenko centered the top line Tuesday but was unable to point as Russia was doubled by Canada 4-2 to close the 2012 Canada/Russia Challenge. The 6'3 pivot finishes with one assist in the four-game set, while continuing to demonstrate own zone efficiency and awareness.

With the series tied at two games apiece, the two teams played a sudden death overtime that was settled 3:20 in when a Ryan Strome (NYI) wrister from the right circle beat Russian netminder Andrei Vasilevski (TAM).

Despite going without a goal, Grigorenko still showed well offensively throughout the week of games, using his puckhandling skills to draw defenders and his vision to hit his wings. Canada's defensive corps did a good job neutralizing his main target, Nail Yakupov, pushing him wide and blocking his route to the net. While the pair's effectiveness was limited, they did connect for quality chances both at even strength and on the power play but simply couldn't convert.

In his own zone, Grigorenko played his middle slot well by retreating low, sticking to his man, and using his long stick to block lanes and gather loose pucks.

What's next for Grigorenko could be dictated by the NHL labor negotiations, but for now the reigning CHL Rookie of the Year will attend training camp with the Quebec Remparts where he'll continue his strength development and execution of high percentage plays with the puck under the guidance of Patrick Roy.

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After watching the highlights for the last 2 games I can say that Grigorenko has good vision and playmaking ability, however, IMO, he doesn't have the strength to jump to the NHL. It's a shame he can't play in Rochester this year, so he'll probably end up back in the juniors.

I thought he looked very good in the series, especially game 3. (Thought game 4 was easily his personal worst.) Solid reads and positioning defensively, and his slick hands and vision were definitely on display, despite it not showing much on the score sheet. He reminds me a bit of Joe Thornton, both in his passing ability and in the sense that I think people will always be disappointed with him because, while he's large, he doesn't love hitting/powering to the net and really only uses his size for puck protection. Very excited to watch him develop...Could become the best center we've drafted in, oh, decades.

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Kris Baker was raised in a hockey rink. When you were watching Star Wars, he was watching Peter Puck. Bakes' favorite food is chicken soup from the vending machine, and he'd register a Zamboni with the DMV if allowed.